The warm glow of dusk settled over the city as Yvette stepped through the door of the penthouse. Mrs Lawrence who was initially arranging some linens rushed forward, immediately offering her a napkin to clean her hands and a slippers.
"Madam". Mrs Lawrence said aid politely, bowing slightly, "Sir left early this morning. He mentioned that you shouldn't wait for him tonight as he wouldn't be coming home. The company's affairs are piling and keeping him busy as the branch has just been moved here and there's much to settle."
Yvette nodded, dead tired after the long day. She flashed her a small smile and slipped off her heels, changing into the slippers. "I understand". She replied calmly. "I'll head to bed early then."
She ascended up the stairs quietly, her hands on the railings as she glanced back and she couldn't help but feel that the house was unusually quiet and cold.
She made her way into the bedroom, changing into something more comfortable before settling on the bed. She checked her phone, hoping for a message from him but there was nothing, soon the day's exhaustion kicked in pulling her into a deep slumber.
---
The next day, the set bustled with the usual chaos of filming with crew members adjusting and positioning lightning, camera being set in place, actors and crew milling about, calling out instructions.
She looked around and felt comfortable and familiar at heart. This was the sense of familiarity she was used to.
As soon as she arrived, all attention was on her. Despite being relatively new, she landed a significant role thus the attention on her was palpable.
However when everyone saw her , they shot mixed glances at her. Some had taken her as a rookie who was just lucky enough to land the role and did not recognize that she was once a popular actress in the past and other's who knew didn't care, afterall she didn't pose a threath to them and was no currently different from a newbie.
She couldn't blame them for forgetting her so easily because in this era where there was tons of endless talents, the rate of elimination was high as well.
Talents could suddenly rise to stardom overnight and even popular celebrities could lose their popularity overnight.
Some popular celebrities might have risen to stardom but if they didn't appear on the screen frequently, the people tends to forget about them, like they never exist and she was a typical example.
Thus several celebrities dare not to take a break, taking on drama one after the other to ensure that they were still very active in the industry.
Sighing, she followed Leila who led her to a quiet corner and sat down. She opened her script, flipping through the pages but her mind was elsewhere.
She felt restless,her thoughts tangled around Zeke wondering if he was still busy working, afterall he had a lot on his plates. She hadn't even seen or heard from him since the previous morning, she wanted to phone him but felt nervous.
Leila noticed her distraction and nudged her playfully. "Why are you acting like it's your first day on set?".
Yvette sighed. "I just think that I haven't acted in a while, what if. . ."
"What are you afraid of". Leila flicked her forehead playfully. "Your foundation is good at at the least you had professional training". Leila ranted off but noticed Yvette frowning again.
"Why are you still fidgeting?". She asked grinning. "Are you having marital problems?".
"Of course not". Yvette immediately replied, her cheeks flushed. "It's just that he's been busy lately so . ."
Leila flashed her a knowing smile. "You should call him then, before you drive yourself crazy."
Yvette hesitated then nodded , pulling out her phone. After a few rings, he answered his voice a little tired bust still warm as he complained.
"Hey Wifey. I thought you forgot about me after seeing those admirable guys on set ".
"Of course not" . She immediately replied, a crimson flush creeping on her face.
There was a soft chuckle at the other end of the line and she felt her worries melt away at his teasing tone.
"Then shouldn't you butter up to me a bit ".
She felt her face turn scarlet as she replied. "The mens here on set aren't as dashing and breathtaking as you are Hubby".
This time it was his turn to be stunned silly. "What did you just call me ?".
"Hubby, Hubby, Hubby". She teased in a singsong tone and Leila beside her coughed upon hearing her words, glancing up at her in disbelief as she scurried away not wishing to listen any longer.
"I miss you, Wifey". Zeke sighed. "But I'm here occupied with work".
"I missed you too". She replied hesitantly. Without his presence, the house felt unusually cold and empty, she missed the warmth that always enveloped her when she lays in his embrace.
She couldn't help it but he was slowly becoming her safest place in the world.
"Also, you can call anytime you wish to ". He said quietly as he stood by the window.
"I know, I was just a bit nervous". Yvette steepled her fingers.
"There's no need to be nervous, okay. Just go with the flow, no rush".
"Hmm. How are things at your side?. Always eat on time and don't overwork yourself, okay?".
"As your lordship commands". He replied, laughing merrily. "You take care of yourself too , how's life on set, are you ready?".
"They're going well". She replied, gazing at the crews setting up in the distance. "I'll be fine".
The couple talked for a few more minutes before she reluctantly ended the call, feeling a little lighter and more refreshed as a bright smile spread across her face.
She tucked her phone away, ready to immerse herself in her script. Just as she was about to return to her script, she noticed someone approaching her.
She looked up to see Blair standing before her donning a pair of grey hoodie and black pants, looking as dashing as ever.
"Hey, is anyone sitting here?". He asked , a faint smile tugging at his lips as he help up his script. "Mind if I join you?".
Yvette blinked in surprised. "Oh . . Umm . . Sure". She replied blankly scooting over to make space for him.
"You're acting as Lin Chuxia right?".
"Yes". She nodded in response looking very polite and respectful. This was the proper way to deal with a senior especially when this senior could send her career to a void of no return by the blink of an eye.
"Then , we have quite a lot of scenes together."
Yvette nodded nervously wondering why he was in her space in the first place, a popular actor like him must have his own personal lounge beside he was rumored to be arrogant and bossy , not always acting by the book.
"Since that is the case, I think we should communicate our feelings first and get closer." He looked up at her with a bewitching smile that gave her goosebumps.
"Ah . ". She stammered, gazing at him blankly.
"Since you've read the script, there are quite some parts that I don't understand. Do you mind explaining them to me ?".
He leaned forward sensing her nervousness. "Am I very scary to look at ?".
"Of course not. You're everyone's idol, how can you be scary. It's just that I don't think it'll be right for me to explain to you, what if I distort the meaning and scenes". Yvette hurriedly replied, placing a distance between them.
"Really then am I your idol too ?". He grinned and she nodded , anything to make him stay away from her, he was just too impossible.
"Then what's my favourite food, color, hobby , sports, birth sign . . "
"Uhh". Yvette waved her hands to stop him. How was she supposed to know the answers to all his questions.
"Then , it seems my charm is really diminishing. You don't even pay enough attention to me". Blair pouted.
"No . . Of course not". She waved frantically and his manager Martin who was standing by the side could only smile helplessly, pitying the poor lady.
"Okay. It's okay and understandable if you don't pay enough attention previously but it'll be better if you do now". He instructed and she nodded in response.
He then picked his script for a while reading quietly and she sighed in relief only for him to suddenly lean closer. "I think we should start practicing now".
"Practice, practice what". Yvette was confused at his sudden words and stance.
"Hmm. There's a kissing scene ahead so it'll be better for us to practice on time and save everyone's time".
"Did you misunderstand something, there's no kissing scene". She explained. "There's initially such a scene but the scriptwriter didn't deemed it compulsory for the movie".
"The more wrong it is". Blair grunted. "The great general and the beauty fell in love at first sight and kissed, it's one of the most interesting and required scene. How could it be ruled out?".
He then turned to his manager. "You go discuss it with the director".